Arlington, VA – 08/09/2012 – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® announced today that it is hosting four “Great Ideas Workshops” at the Indianapolis Convention Center, September 5-6, during CEDIA Expo. The free workshops for dealers, custom installers (CIs) and integrators – anyone selling and/or installing consumer electronics – will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas with experts and industry colleagues, and discuss solutions that work.

“You don’t need to be a CEA member to attend CEA’s Great Ideas Workshops,” said Kerry Moyer, senior director of member relations, CEA. “In fact, the workshops are a perfect opportunity for dealers and CIs to experience the benefits of CEA membership. It’s like having free access to some of retail and custom installation’s top business consultants.”

Each of two workshop topics will be offered in the morning and the afternoon. Business owners, presidents, chief executive officers, chief operating officers, general managers, and any senior management employees with fiscal and inventory responsibility are invited and encouraged to attend. CEA encourages Expo attendees to participate in both workshops. Topics are as follows:

· “The Independent – From Surviving to Thriving,” moderated by Otto Papasadero, executive director, North American Retail Dealers Association(NARDA), who has an extensive marketing and business background as a retailer, consultant and buying group CEO. This workshop drills down on 50 basic elements of sound business practice that are critical to the success of today’s independent retailer and CI.
· “Financial Forecasting – Empowerment for Your Business … It’s as Easy as Connecting the Dots,” moderated by Pat Johnson and Dick Outcalt, highly respected financial consultants and co-founders of the Retail Owners Institute®. This workshop will demonstrate the connection between profits, inventory turns, cash flow, GMROI and debt reduction.

Strategies and tactical solutions will be put forward and discussed during these interactive workshops. For more information and to register online at Eventbrite for any of the four free workshops, please visit:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $206 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: .